Grand Tourist unearths truffle hunting in Dublin

Luxury travel company Grand Tourist have launched their new range of white truffle hunting experiences this week at one of the Republic of Ireland’s largest luxury travel fairs. Grand Tourist, who ask their clients to follow in the footsteps of the original travellers of the 18th and 19th century, is launching its white truffle hunting experiences at this year’s Ideal Home Show, Dublin. This year, Grand Tourist has also launched Ferrari driving experiences and Ischia island tours in Italy.

Grand Tourist, which specialises in the finest that Europe has to offer, launches its new range of travel experiences at the Dublin show on Thursday October 23 to Sunday October 27, which is one of the largest consumer luxury shows.

White truffle hunting is a seasonal speciality in Italy, near to the world famous town of Alba, which hosts a weekly truffle auction throughout October and November. Grand Tourists will stay in a luxurious converted monastery whilst foraging for truffles in the nearby countryside. The hotel even has a vinotherapy spa (the only one in Italy), where the seeds, skins and oils of the grapes and vines are used in a series of unique and invigorating beauty treatments.

Chester based Grand Tourist offers the finest of European culture; gourmet dining in rural France, hot-air ballooning in Burgundy, private chateaux and garden visits in the Loire. Whilst in Italy the art of Florence, Venice and Rome is there to enjoy.

Director of Grand Tourist Janet Simmonds said:

“Truffle hunting is a really exciting way to discover the stunning countryside of this magical region of Italy whilst participating in its oldest tradition. For real foodies, Relais San Maurizio organises early morning truffle hunts. Guests can unearth the noblest truffles and then have their precious finds prepared to their own tastes in the hotel’s restaurant.

“The four-day Ideal Home Show is a fantastic opportunity for Grand Tourist to launch its new range of tailor-made travel experiences with style. I want to share my love of travel and my knowledge of Europe; to help people to discover the hidden gems of France, Italy and the Alps, to introduce clients to new restaurants, luxurious country houses and welcoming vineyards, where a private tasting or a tour is never too much trouble! It’s really my mission to introduce these fascinating places to my valued clients. For me it’s about rediscovering the art of travel. We specialise in designing unique and magical journeys for clients and small groups.”

Although black truffles are relatively common, there are still only two places where the white variety is found: Istria in Croatia, and Piedmont in Italy — in particular, the part of Piedmont known as Le Langhe, south of Alba. There is a lot of lore, some say blarney, associated with gathering the 'white diamonds', as the truffles are known locally.

The 78th National White Truffle Fair of Alba starts on the first weekend of October 2008 and last year a 1.59kg truffle sold for £84,618 - that is £53,218 a kilo, four times the average price for gold.

Grand Tourist will be exhibiting at stand D2 at Simmonscourt, Dublin, as part of the Ideal Home Show. The exhibition opens from noon to 8pm on October 23, 2pm to 10pm on October 24 and from 11am to 6pm from October 25 to October 27.

Grand Tourist supports the Roald Dahl Foundation.